Movie theatre could close if development proceeds in Mississauga

One of Mississauga’s oldest multiplex movie theatres could close if a proposed mixed-use residential development proceeds in the city.

The development is in its very early stages. The land owner is currently seeking to expand the residential uses of the property, which includes Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga in the City Centre.

The proposal is part of an 18 million square foot master planned mixed-use neighbourhood next to Square One. The first phase of the project is well underway.

The property, owned by Oxford Properties, at 99, 189, 199, 209, 219, 299 and 309 Rathburn Rd. West, 97 and 100 City Centre Dr. is being considered for a City of Mississauga official plan change to allow for a mixed-use residential development.

The proposal is a “really significant official plan amendment,” which has been in discussions for over a year, Josh Neubauer, a partner and planner with Urban Strategies Inc. said at the Sept. 16 City of Mississauga Planning and Development Committee meeting.

Three blocks of the property would change from office to downtown mixed-use, and one, three-acre block would change from office to public, open space. The owner is also seeking permission for a life science facility and to convert one piece of land into a space for an elementary school.

Plans would be considered in more detail at the rezoning stage, said Neubauer.

A map shows the blocks of property being considered for an official plan amendment.

One resident expressed concerns about the potential development and the increase to traffic.

“Square One itself is already overcrowded,” the resident said at the Sept. 16 meeting.

She was also concerned about the potential loss of the movie theatre.

The movie theatre opened as Coliseum Mississauga with 10 screens on May 16, 1997, according to a history posted online. In 2013 it was renamed Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga.

“I remember that was built in the late 90s,” the resident said. “It was a nice entertainment (spot).”

Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga is at 309 Rathburn Rd. W. Photo: Google Maps

Councillor John Kovac confirmed the theatre would likely close if the project proceeds. But he indicated the theatre could reopen in the new development.

“Whatever gets lost, we ensure there is much work done to either replicate or re-add whether it is a movie theatre or whatever else it may be,” Kovac said.

But the city does not own the property.

“We do not have full control over land we do not own,” he said.

Kovac wanted to have more discussions with the property owner on the proposal as it is an “extremely significant file.”

The committee agreed and voted to defer any decisions on the proposal to a later date.

For more information see the meeting here.

Lead photo: Krists Luhaers